Butyric Acid Detection Platform for Tube Placement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the proper placement of endotracheal tubes and gastric tubes are inadequate, leading to potential aspiration and related complications such as aspiration pneumonia and pneumonitis.
Innovation Solution
A butyric acid detection based platform that includes a housing with sensors for detecting HCL and butyric acid, allowing for quick verification of tube placement and aspiration detection through colorimetric, bioelectronic, or IR-based methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used for verifying tube placement, then the verification process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of placement verification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules, each detecting specific compounds (HCL, butyric acid, etc.). This allows the complex verification task to be divided into simpler sub-tasks, improving accuracy while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The detection platform serves multiple functions: verifying tube placement, detecting aspiration events, and identifying gastric contents. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity
2Speed
If conventional aspiration detection methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the detection speed and early warning capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of aspiration compounds before clinical symptoms manifest. By continuously monitoring for HCL, butyric acid, and other gastric compounds in respiratory samples, the system provides early warning, enabling preventive action before aspiration pneumonia develops
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual aspiration and visual inspection methods with automated chemical sensing. Sensors detect volatile organic compounds and pH changes electronically, providing faster and more objective detection compared to traditional mechanical methods
3Reliability
If multiple detection methods are implemented, then the reliability of aspiration detection is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection methods (pH sensing, volatile organic compound detection, optical detection) are merged into a single integrated platform. This consolidation achieves high reliability through multi-parameter monitoring while controlling costs by sharing common infrastructure such as sample handling, data processing, and alarm systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple chemical parameters (pH, presence of specific VOCs like butyric acid and HCL, oxidation-reduction potential) simultaneously. By detecting changes in multiple parameters rather than relying on a single measurement, the system achieves higher reliability while using relatively simple and cost-effective sensing technologies for each parameter
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The platform provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective means to verify tube placement and detect aspiration, reducing morbidity and mortality by ensuring accurate placement and early detection of aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
at least one colorimetric sensor configured to detect butyric acid
Implementation Method 2
a bioelectronic sensor using an olfactory receptor configured to detect butyric acid
Implementation Method 3
an infrared sensor configured to detect butyric acid
Data Source
AI summary
A butyric acid detection based platform for verifying placement of a patient airway device or a gastric tube comprising at least one of i) a colorimetric based butyric acid detection platform, ii) a bioelectronic sensors based butyric acid detection platform using olfactory receptors, and iii) an IR based butyric acid detection platform. Each platform comprises a housing coupled to the patient airway device or gastric tube whereby flow from the coupled patient airway device or a gastric tube can flow through an internal passage of the housing; and wherein sensors within the housing come into contact with the flow from the coupled patient airway device or a gastric tube, the sensors including at least one of a chemical sensor array including at least one of i) colorimetric based butyric acid sensor, ii) a bioelectronic butyric acid detection sensor using olfactory receptors, and iii) an IR based butyric acid sensor.